At the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, attendees acted heroically to shield children and move them to safety when a gunman opened fire.
The shooting occurred when a man drove a vehicle displaying two U.S. flags into the church doors before exiting and firing on those inside. The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine who was later shot and killed by police. The attack left at least four people dead, though officials caution that the number could rise, and also involved a fire set at the church.
Smoke and flames were visible at the scene yesterday afternoon, and while the fire was eventually extinguished, authorities said more victims may be found inside the ruins. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye reported that ten gunshot victims were transported to local hospitals, including one confirmed fatality.
Chief Renye praised the courage of those inside the church, noting that they actively protected the children and helped them reach safety.
Sanford had served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. Authorities also reported that up to seven individuals were unaccounted for, though some may be safe but not yet in contact with family members.
The FBI is leading the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence. Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized that such violence has no place in Michigan or the country and pledged to determine the facts, motives, and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.